Habitat for Humanity of Teller County is part of a global, non-profit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Habitat for Humanity International was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Since 1976, HFHI has helped more than 9.8 million people meet their affordable housing needs. In fiscal year 2016, HFHI improved the housing conditions of 3 million people through new home construction, rehabilitation, incremental improvements, repairs or increased access to improved shelter through partnerships with the private sector. In addition, nearly 2.1 million people now have the potential to improve their housing conditions as a result of HFHI’s advocacy efforts, which changed policies and systems to allow more access to shelter solutions, and because of provision of information and training in construction, financial management and other housing-related topics. Habitat for Humanity of Teller County is taking that same conviction into Teller County to provide our qualified residents with affordable housing.

You must meet the monthly income requirements for the home you want to buy

Your credit history must be clear of excessive debt, collections, or any open judgements; If you’ve had a bankruptcy or foreclosure, it must be discharged for at least 36 months. Credit counseling is available to help you qualify.

You must be willing to complete 400 sweat equity hours before moving into the home

Habitat considers these criteria when making decisions about homebuyer selection:

Need for Housing – living in inadequate housing – run down housing – overcrowded bedrooms or living space – rent that is more than 30% of your income – living in temporary or transitional housing.

Ability to Pay – meet the monthly income requirements for the home you are applying for, have qualifying credit, show the ability to pay bills on-time monthly, purchase a homeowner’s insurance policy after house is complete and before closing, pay closing costs at closing.

First, your income must qualify for the home you are interested in purchasing. Each home offered has minimum and maximum income qualifications. We count income from job wages, child support, Social Security, SSDI, SSI, TANF, pensions and alimony. Gross monthly income is calculated before taxes. The monthly income needed to qualify is different for each home and depends upon the type of home, number of bedrooms, and the number of people in your family. When a homebuyer is selected into the Homebuyer Program, they could receive a low interest rate mortgage with Habitat, USDA or a partner bank that can be paid off in 30-38 years. Monthly mortgage payments are based on 30% of the homebuyer’s gross monthly income.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE AND STAY IN TOUCH WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF TELLER COUNTY?

Houses are sold at cost & for no profit to Habitat (labor is provided by Habitat partners and many other volunteers)

Low down payment & closing costs

Low subsidized interest loan (usually through USDA)

Low monthly payment

HOW CAN I APPLY?

Come by our office or visit our website to learn about what homes are available. Request an application packet and review all the information about our partnership program. Schedule an appointment for an initial application session. No documents are needed at the application session, but will be requested later & throughout the application process

WHAT IS HABITAT’S BEDROOM POLICY?

You may qualify for a 1, 2, 3, 4 bedrooms home based on your current family size and depending upon how many males and females are in your family. Couples share a bedroom. Adults over the age of 18 years that are not couples do not share bedrooms. Same gender children under 10 do share bedrooms. No more than 2 people are in each bedroom.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MOVE INTO A HOME?

Normally, the total time from turning in an application to moving into a home is between 6-12 months. Proof of 2 years of adequate income and consistent 12 months, on time, creditor payments will qualify you for USDA funding and move this process along quicker.